This is Blythe

By , Blythe

Produced for only one year in the '70s, Blythe is a moony waif of a doll coveted by a growing group of devoted fans. Photographer Gina Garan fell to Blythe's charms and unusual looks years ago and has shot her in settings around the world, from Greece to Soho to Hooters. Hilarious, mesmerizing, and just a little spooky, This Is Blythe is the result of Garan's offbeat passion and a photography book like no other. Here's mod Blythe pacing through an art gallery; a pensive Blythe in a tiny blue fur parka, the sun flaring orange behind her; Blythe emerging from a block of ice. Is that Blythe telling her Christmas wishes to Santa Claus? Like stills for a film that hasn't happened (yet?), these undeniably beautiful photographs create an entire world from each flawless frame. A no-explanation-necessary gift for that special someone, This Is Blythe will enchant fans of witty photography and pop culture with a taste for the unexpected.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811828239
• ISBN13: 9780811828239
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.4" x 6.1"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Open your eyes to the world of Blythe....

Blythe is a wonderful doll, with a personality all her own. Blythe has been caputured in these photos beautifully by Gina Garan! Check out one of Gina's lovely photobooks, like this one "This is Blythe", or try "Dear Blythe Love Gina" or "Dear Blythe, Love Gina II"For 30 years, Blythe was like a forgotten child, that no one seemed to remember. Gina saw in Blythe what no one else did... a quirky, yet charming inner beauty, and a distinct personality. Once you own a Blythe doll, you will find that she somehow becomes your obesssion!!

Blythe Rocks!

I am the proud owner of an original Blythe doll. So, I was amazed and thrilled to see this book. The photographs are beautifully done, and so creative. I love the passion that Gina has for these dolls. I am also impressed by the hair, makeup and clothing that she did for the photos herself. Someone who I would be friends with, a true genius!

Blythe as Goddess Pilgrim

I found the stark beauty of the images in Garan's, This is Blythe to be uncannily seductive. No reader will leave this book without the eerie feeling that Blythe is in fact still out there, continuing her worldwide pilgrimage which photographer Garan just happened to momentarily commune. No reader will ever look into those big, multifaceted doll eyes without seeing the somewhat sinister, existential quality that lies just within the plastic iris. We hitch a ride with Blythe on her journey but alas, she is immortal and we are not. Not being a "doll person" I was at first reluctant to admit that such a book would interest me but I have to say that Miss Garan has done an extraordinary job of creating a piece of artwork from an almost forgotten Pop culture artifact. When considering the photography I am immediately aware of an innovative hybrid style. I can only compare it to the appropriation of photojournalism by fashion photographers in the 1970's where the thing of beauty is juxtaposed with the raw and visceral; a beautifully adorned women on a tattered "third world" city street. In this way, and with Blythe as our priestess/guide, we explore the meaning of set and setting. A mundane Puerto Rican front porch is transformed into a resplendent altar to Blythe, a forgotten graveyard becomes a temple of glowing alabaster, and a block of ice, the tomb of some prehistoric goddess. I give, This is Blythe, my top ratings for its visual beauty and it's sociological relevance and eagerly await Miss Garan's next offering from the "world where dolls rule."

This Is Blythe

Wow! What a great little book! Awesome, creative, fun photos of this much loved doll. I had a Blythe doll as a girl and fell in love with her all over again when I discovered this book, as will any woman who grew up in the '70's. (And even those who didn't, who will discover the wonder that is Blythe for the first time.) Thanks, Gina, for bringing this super groovy girl out of hiding and back into the much deserved limelight!

What a beautiful book!

If a fun collection of photos featuring one of the most kitschy-cool odd-ball dolls wasn't enough, THIS IS BLYTHE is inspiring. The way Gina Garan shoots photos of her big eyed dolls they definitely seem to have personalities of their own. With more spark than most super-models, and more spunk than a whole aisle of Gen-X Barbie dolls! Photographs of this elusive doll from the 1970's would be interesting enough on their own, but with the unexpected locations (like in the mouth of a tiger at the Siegfried and Roy monument, or posing au naturel in front of Hooters) combined with the quirky subject matter (Blythe's the only doll I've heard of that can change her eye color from pink to orange with the pull of a string). Prude, sassy, sophisticated, glamorous, edgy, shy, apprehensive, innocent- are all conveyed not only by this dolls ability to change eye color and position. It is done with with the fabulous costumes, settings, and Gina's ability to almost animate Blythe with her unique style of photography. The book is interesting and whimsical, colorful and humorous. It has a very arty/innovative feel and a super-slick layout, but doesn't ever lose touch with the sweet and simple feeling that this girl is just playing with her dolls. Anyone who loves books about pop-culture, has an affinity for the unusual, appreciates dolls, or is simply looking for a book that is one-of-a-kind and inscrutably appealing,,, this is it! After flipping through the the book again and again, I kept remembering something from the last line of the introduction, and how it really holds true. It's that,"Blythe reminds you to embrace the rare and unique", qualities of who we are-- and that's exactly why this book is a gem!